Articles tagged with Seasonal Changes
Scientists discovered that Amazon forest canopy greening during the dry season is not caused by biophysical changes, but rather by shadowing within the canopy and satellite observation artifacts. Correcting for this issue reveals a relatively constant greenness and canopy structure throughout the dry season.
Tropical Cyclone Edilson formed on February 5, threatening several land areas including Rodrigues Island and Mauritius. NASA's Aqua satellite captured visible and infrared data showing a large storm system with heavy rain potential.
A study published in Biology Letters reveals that jackdaw eyes are used as a means of communication between members of the same species, helping them defend their nests and chicks from competitors. The research suggests that the bright eyes may be an adaptive trait unique to jackdaws.
A study found that susceptibility-weighted imaging can detect small clusters of hypointensity in the brain, indicating acute and chronic injuries from concussion or subconcussive events. The research also identified sex differences in the extent of these changes.
A University of Waterloo study finds Arctic lakes froze up later and thawed earlier, resulting in a 24-day shorter winter ice season. Climate change has also caused a significant decrease in lake ice thickness, with some lakes losing up to 38 centimeters of ice.
Research reveals a significant increase in summer sea level rise and decrease in winter sea level drop along the eastern Gulf Coast, leading to a greater seasonal difference. This change threatens coastal ecosystems, increases flood risk from hurricanes, and may disrupt salt balance in sensitive wetlands.
A 27-year study found that climate change is a major cause of chick death in Magellanic penguin colonies, with an average of 65% of chicks dying per year. The rising frequency of storms and heatwaves is particularly detrimental to young penguins, who struggle to regulate their body temperature.
Tropical Cyclone June formed in the Southern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing infrared data on the storm. The cyclone has high cloud top temperatures indicating powerful thunderstorms dropping heavy rainfall over open waters.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected powerful thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures exceeding -63F/-52C, indicating strong uplift in the low pressure area. The storm consolidated and organized into Tropical Cyclone 09S, expected to strengthen and bring gusty winds and rainfall to Mozambique.
The new website provides weekly predictions for US seasonal flu rates in 94 cities, based on a scientifically validated system. Flu cases are forecast to peak in January, with some areas already experiencing the worst of the outbreak.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that testosterone enhances male canary's motivation to sing but not the quality of their songs. The hormone affects different brain areas, increasing song frequency but not altering its attractiveness to females.
Tropical Cyclone Amara strengthened into a tropical storm after NASA's TRMM and Aqua satellites provided visible and rainfall data. The storm is expected to reach hurricane-strength by December 22 as it nears La Reunion Island, with forecasters closely monitoring its progress.
Researchers found significant differences in brain white matter between varsity football and hockey players and non-contact-sport athletes. The study suggests that repeated blows to the head without concussions may cause cognitive decline, warranting further investigation into identifying susceptible athletes.
A study found that consumers tend to choose individualized but less preferred gifts when shopping for multiple recipients. Shoppers prioritize getting different gifts for each person on their list rather than opting for a single, more appealing gift.
Tropical Cyclone 06B, also known as Madi, has organized from low pressure System 92B, with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots/51.7 mph/83.3 kph and a diameter of approximately 100 nautical miles. The cyclone is expected to continue strengthening due to warm waters and is predicted to reach cyclone/hurricane strength by December 9.
Scientists successfully predicted the timing of the 2012-2013 influenza season up to nine weeks in advance, providing actionable information for officials and the public. The flu forecasting system, using combined data from Google Flu Trends and CDC reports, outperformed alternate schemes and showed regional differences in accuracy.
The article reviews the biology of orchardgrass and its associated billbug pests, emphasizing the need for effective control methods. It highlights the economic damage caused by these pests and discusses available cultural, biological, and chemical control options.
HS3 gathered data on the Saharan Air Layer, studying its effects on Tropical Storm Gabrielle. The mission also identified a unique hybrid core in a redeveloped storm and measured hurricane Ingrid's heavy rain and strong winds.
A new study from University of Toronto researchers found that a strong dollar significantly influences Canadian cross-border shopping habits, with distance to the border also playing a crucial role. The research suggests that Canadians are more likely to shop in the US due to the favorable exchange rate and proximity to the border.
A study published in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes found that people are more likely to choose unhealthy food options for themselves and others when they perceive the other person as overweight. This can lead to poor diet choices, especially during holiday celebrations. The research suggests that marketers should...
A study by researchers from the University of British Columbia found that butterflies' flight seasons are responsive to temperature increases, with average timing advancing 2.4 days per degree Celsius. This shift could have significant implications for butterfly populations and ecosystems.
Subtropical storm Melissa formed in the central Atlantic Ocean on November 18, with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph. The National Hurricane Center expects it to transition into a tropical storm later in the day.
A new research project led by Aarhus University scientists aims to improve agricultural production in Ghana using irrigation and biochar. The initiative seeks to increase crop yields, reduce deforestation, and protect the environment while providing more employment opportunities and a better economy for local communities.
Tropical Storm Sonia formed on Nov. 1 and made landfall in western Mexico by Nov. 4, with NASA capturing its brief life in a 36-second animation. The storm's maximum sustained winds reached 45 mph, but it weakened as it moved over rugged terrain.
A new tropical depression formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on November 1, with NASA's TRMM satellite detecting moderate rainfall and NOAA's GOES-West satellite capturing cloud extent. The depression is expected to strengthen and become a tropical storm by the weekend.
Researchers are mapping Greenland's ice sheet and surrounding Arctic sea ice using a single season of summer melt data. The study aims to provide baseline measurements for future satellite missions.
New research reveals that newborns are born without the toll-like receptor 3, a key protein needed to protect against viruses. This impairment makes newborn immune cells unable to recognize and react to certain viruses, increasing their susceptibility to infections like herpes simplex virus.
Researchers found that reindeer eyes change color in response to seasonal changes in light levels, from gold in summer to blue in winter. This adaptation helps them see better in the limited light of winter, increasing their sensitivity to detect moving predators.
Researchers found that chimpanzees used long-term spatial memory to locate large fruit trees, increasing their chances of discovering bountiful crops. Chimpanzees also remembered feeding experiences from previous seasons, using a memory window of up to three years.
Tropical Storm Lorenzo formed in the Atlantic Ocean on Oct. 21, strengthening into a tropical storm just six hours later. NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of the depression before it became a storm, while NOAA's GOES satellite showed its progression and expected weakening trend.
A new study suggests the southern portion of the Amazon rainforest is at a much higher risk of dieback due to stronger seasonal drying, which could lead to large volumes of carbon dioxide release and disrupt biodiversity. The researchers found that global warming is the most likely explanation for the lengthening dry season.
The 13th Atlantic tropical depression formed on Oct. 21 near Bermuda, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph/55 kph. The NOAA GOES-East satellite captured its development in a 29-second animation, showing strengthening thunderstorms and convection.
Tropical Storm Priscilla formed and rapidly weakened over 3 days in the eastern Pacific, skipping the depression phase. Its maximum sustained winds dropped to 35 mph/55 kph within a day of formation, marking one of the shortest-lived tropical storms of the season.
Researchers find that mid-February to mid-March warming has the greatest impact on breaking bud timing. This challenges the use of degree-day models, which may become less effective as temperatures deviate from historical norms.
A study by Penn State researchers links melting sea ice in the Arctic to changes in plant growth timing, which affects caribou calves' nutrition. The findings suggest a trophic mismatch between plants and caribou, leading to lower calf production.
A fleet of underwater robots, known as gliders, is being deployed by NOAA and partners to collect ocean data off the East Coast. The gliders will help scientists improve storm intensity forecasts and understanding of hurricanes.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have found that a specific diet immediately before spawning significantly impacts the fatty acid content of red drum eggs. This discovery could lead to improved survival rates and reduced resource usage in fish farming, benefiting both the environment and the state of Texas.
Tropical Depression 18W formed in the South China Sea and is forecast to quickly make landfall in central Vietnam on September 19. The depression has sustained winds of near 25 knots and is expected to dissipate within a day after landfall.
Tropical Storm Humberto regained strength after weakening to a remnant low pressure area due to wind shear. NASA's Global Hawk Aircraft gathered data on the environment of the storm, with findings to be analyzed as part of the HS3 hurricane mission.
Researchers from the University of Guelph compared 55 years of Wisconsin and Ontario data to determine associations between weather and crop yields. Key findings indicate that hot days during June-July-August and rainfall were significant factors affecting yield, with heat tolerance being crucial for breeding purposes.
Carnegie Mellon researchers used Twitter analysis to predict NFL game outcomes and found a 55% accurate method for beating the spread. However, their analysis was limited by the rapidly changing nature of Twitter and the skill of sports books in setting point spreads.
Hundreds of fires burning in Mozambique and Madagascar were detected by NASA's MODIS satellite on September 11, 2013. The majority of the fires occurred in grass or cropland and are believed to be part of deliberate land management practices.
The Rim Fire has burned over 254,000 acres in California, with pockets of unburned vegetation continuing to burn. Scientists are studying the fire's remains to determine vulnerable areas to mudslides once the rainy season begins.
A study projects how climate change affects West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes across the southern US, with changes varying by region. Warmer temperatures and drier conditions may lead to longer mosquito seasons but smaller summer populations.
Researchers watched genes move together in response to environmental changes, a discovery that could improve understanding of gene expression and its impact on nature. The technique allows scientists to monitor a gene in whole, living organisms, opening up new avenues for research.
A new study reconstructs climate in the South Pacific over the past 446 years, revealing more dramatic rainfall variability before the start of the 20th century. The researchers found a roughly 50-year cycle of rainfall in Vanuatu, with significant differences between wet and dry periods.
Tropical Depression 8 has formed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1009 millibars. The depression is expected to become a remnant low-pressure area over the weekend due to its short-lived nature as it moves over land.
A quarter of mature female tiger sharks migrate from Northwestern to Main Hawaiian Islands, coinciding with shark birth season and months of highest bite risk. The researchers found that tiger sharks do not stay resident in specific bays for long periods, debunking the territoriality hypothesis.
A recent study from the University of Florida found that volatile compounds in blueberries have a higher correlation to consumer acceptance than traditional measures. This discovery could help breeders select for cultivars with more desirable flavors.
Researchers discovered that the giant Triassic amphibian Metoposaurus had a two-seasonal climate and needed water for its lifestyle. The species used broad, flat head and forearms to burrow under the ground during dry season, while its growth pattern revealed unique adaptations.
The Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity project uses Landsat data to quantify large fires nationwide, providing long-term burn severity maps. Researchers investigate fire behavior changes over years using the valuable data, revealing increasing fire activity in the western US.
A Harvard University study projects that wildfires in the western United States will be three weeks longer, up to twice as smoky, and burn a wider area by 2050. Climate change is expected to exacerbate fire season due to warmer temperatures.
A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that depressive symptoms are not as influenced by time of year or weather conditions as previously thought. Researchers analyzed data from over 800 participants and concluded that people may be exaggerating the impact of seasonal changes on their mood.
Tropical Storm Ivo is expected to bring heavy surf and moderate to heavy rainfall to southern Baja California over the next couple of days. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 40 mph/65 kph at its center.
Tropical Depression 13W formed on Aug 17 and dissipated less than a day later, with NASA capturing its final image via the MODIS instrument aboard Aqua satellite. The storm's weakened state allowed nearby Tropical Storm Trami to take over, leading to the depression's demise.
Researchers analyzed fossil records and species interactions to understand how climate change altered biotic interactions in the past. They found that rapid changes drove extinction, evolution, and species distribution, highlighting the need for informed predictions about future ecosystem responses.
Scientists from NASA and other agencies use satellite observation and computer modeling to predict wildfire activity in the American West. The data helps guide firefighting resources and prevention efforts, with over 2.5 million acres burned this year.
Researchers found that limiting contact in practice reduced the number and force of head hits in young football players. The study, which measured head impacts over an entire season, showed that teams with restricted practices had significantly fewer head hits, on average, than teams without such restrictions.
A small study found that college football players, especially linemen, may develop high blood pressure over the course of their first season. Researchers noted a significant increase in blood pressure levels among players after the season, with 47% considered pre-hypertensive and 14% having stage 1 hypertension.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a new metric called Risk Weighted Cumulative Exposure (RWE) to capture players' exposure to the risk of concussion over a football season. The study found that impact frequency was greater during games than practices, but overall exposure was greater during practices.